Sweden's manager explains why Zlatan Ibrahimovic's move to Manchester United is getting delayed
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and it was believed that his switch to Old Trafford would be completed before the start of Euro 2016 on 10 June and the 34-year-old was expected to the Red Devils’ first signing of the summer.
However, no deal took place and instead the English giants went on to seal the signing of Eric Bailly, who signed a four-year deal after he completed his move to the Manchester-based club from Villarreal (subjected to work permit).
Louis van Gaal was sacked as United manager and was replaced by Jose Mourinho. After the appointment of the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager at Old Trafford, reports suggesting that Ibrahimovic will join the 20-time English champions gathered pace.
However, it is unlikely to go through anytime soon as we have to wait until the end of the European championship in Frace. The reason for the same is explained. Erik Hamren, Sweden’s manager has stressed as to why Ibrahimovic’s move to United did not take shape as his national side prepare for their opening match against Ireland on June 13.
"Players have their leisure time on the schedule, what they do then there's nothing I can do to control. But it would not be okay for Zlatan to fly to Manchester," Hamren explained, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"I'm one hundred percent sure (the furore) it will not affect Zlatan. He has been in the business a long time. He handles it perfectly.
"The players of the national team are accustomed to all the rumors surrounding Zlatan too. They are familiar with it. There is absolutely nothing that has affected us negatively in the group.
"I am for sure the rumors surrounding the captain will not affect the team. I understand there is a lot of Zlatan media, not only in Sweden. But, with us, it is nothing."
Ibrahimovic is a free agent as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire at the end of this month. Earlier, he confirmed that there has been a concrete interest from the Premier League club for his services.
The Swedish international played under Mourinho at Inter Milan and should he move to United, he will be reunited with the Portuguese tactician at Old Trafford.